Time is running out for two community programs in Waukee. 

The Waukee Canopy Program with Waukee Parks and Recreation has only 4 trees left as of March 31. Bur Oaks will be a huge shade provider in the future if your property has the space. Note that the Canopy Program is only offered in the spring this year. Other changes include larger trees and delivery to your home instead of a pick-up night at Public Works. Get the details or reserve your tree at Waukee.org/Registration. This is only open to residents within city limits of Waukee. 

The deadline for Waukee Citizen of the Year nominations is April 3. If you know a resident who has a significant positive impact in Waukee and goes above and beyond for our community, submit a nomination with the Waukee Area Chamber of Commerce here. The winner will join a long line of incredible community members, receive an award to recognize their contributions, have a day named in their honor with a proclamation from Mayor Clarke and get a chance to ride in the Independence Day Celebration parade on July 4. 

New Can Redemption Option

Droppett recycling has a new redemption drop site in Centennial Park next to the Enclosed Shelter at the corner of Warrior Lane and University Avenue. You can collect the money or donate it to a community organization. Create your account at Droppett.com to get the welcome packet and bag tags.

While Droppett will recycle non-deposit containers, like plain water bottles, sports drinks or iced tea, the 5-cent redemption credit will only be paid for eligible Iowa deposit containers. Check for the mark on the top of the can or the bottle label for a carbonated or alcoholic beverage before bagging or boxing. 

• Bag it: Containers must be completely empty and whole—not crushed—with a legible barcode. 
  • Put aluminum and plastic containers in the same bag, any 13-gallon (standard kitchen trash bag) or larger. No grocery/shopping bags because tags don’t stick well. 
  • Place glass bottles in a taped box that will fit in the 24x30 inch drop door
• Tag it: Affix your personalized bag tag securely to your bag or your box.
• Drop it: Below each drop door is a scanner that will read your bag tag bar code to unlatch the lock. Then open the door to drop your bag or box inside.

You can also drop eligible cans and bottles in the small shed in the Fareway parking lot. Glass goes in the fenced area outside. Cans and plastic bottles go inside. Proceeds from donations support the bands at Waukee high schools. 

Thank you Waukee

Throughout the month of March, the City collected food and home staples to lend a helping hand to neighbors in need. We'll donate these items to the food pantry at WayPoint Resources. Thank you to all of you who dropped items off. We love to see the community support!